Ampera grabs green award

VAUXHALL'S Ampera extended range electric vehicle has been honoured as Green Vehicle of the Year by fleet decision-makers at the prestigious 2012 Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) Awards.

The awards, which are voted for online exclusively by the ACFO membership, are highly-prized because unlike many other awards they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision-makers.

This prize is the latest in a long line of over 40 top gongs for the ground-breaking Ampera, which include the current European Car of the Year, What Car? Green Car of the Year and Top Gear magazine’s Green Car of the Year.

“Fleet decision-makers are reliant on motor manufacturers to deliver vehicles that are cost effective to operate, safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly and supplier companies to provide a first class service,” said Julie Jenner ACFO chairman. “The Ampera’s revolutionary technology was clearly very popular with our ACFO members and on their behalf I congratulate Vauxhall in bringing such a cutting edge vehicle to market.”

“We are delighted that the Ampera has won the Green Vehicle of the Year,” said Maurice Howkins, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Customer Relationship Director. “It’s great news for Vauxhall that the revolutionary Ampera and its cutting edge technology have been recognised by the ACFO.”

A capacity 250 ACFO members and their guests attended the annual awards with the winners revealed during a gala dinner at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon last night.

The Ampera arrived in UK showrooms in May this year and has a real-world battery range of between 25-50 miles, after which a small range-extender motor intervenes to provide up to an additional 300-plus mile range. At all times, the Ampera’s wheels are electrically driven, setting it apart from hybrid vehicles.

Ampera pricing starts at £29,995 (including £5,000 government grant) for the Earth model. The car is available through a network of 24 specialist Vauxhall dealers.